Linebacker on Alabama: ‘It’s been a dream of mine to play for them’

Ever since Monty Rice was around 8 years old, he followed the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Rice, a three-star inside linebacker from James Clemens High School (Madison, Ala.), visited Alabama Friday for the start of spring practice and just left campus in awe.

“It’s been a dream of mine to play for them,” Rice told SEC Country. “It’s a special feeling knowing I’ve earned the chance to do that.”

The 6-foot-1, 227-pounder didn’t think about committing while he was on campus because there are several other schools that he is interested in such as Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Michigan and Florida State.

He does know why he would commit to the Tide if he does end up choosing them.

“I’m an Alabama fan and they win,” Rice said. “I mean, who doesn’t want to go there? Nick Saban is a legend.”

Rice spent most of the practice watching the linebacker drills. He had a chance to speak with Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt while he was on campus.

“I was asking if it was difficult to learn the defense and he told me that there is a learning curve, but their players are ready to play in the pros because it’s more like an NFL defense.”

The rising prospect says he may commit to his school of choice before the start of his senior season this fall.

He is rated as the nation’s No. 23 inside linebacker and is the No. 32 prospect in the state of Alabama.

All ratings and rankings are from the 247Sports composite unless otherwise noted

Chris Kirschner covers Alabama football recruiting for SECCountry.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on who’s on their way to play in Bryant-Denny.